A surge in violent attacks targeting legal professionals has raised alarm across South Africa, with industry leaders warning that the profession is becoming increasingly dangerous.
The concerns were highlighted by Nkosana Mvundlela, president of the Law Society of South Africa, following the fatal shooting of a legal practitioner outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Johannesburg.
The incident has intensified fears within the legal community, particularly as it follows a series of similar killings in recent years.
Pattern of targeted attacks raises concern
The latest killing comes months after the murder of bankruptcy lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, who was shot inside the boardroom of his firm. His death was one of several high-profile cases involving professionals working in sensitive legal and financial matters.
According to industry stakeholders, lawyers, insolvency practitioners, and tax consultants are increasingly being targeted due to their involvement in cases that expose financial wrongdoing, corruption, and corporate collapse.
Between 2022 and 2023 alone, at least 13 assassinations involving legal and insolvency professionals were reported, underscoring the scale of the threat.
Mvundlela noted that legal practitioners are often wrongly perceived as participants in disputes rather than neutral facilitators tasked with resolving conflict. This misunderstanding, he said, contributes to their growing vulnerability.
Broader implications for rule of law
The issue extends beyond individual safety, pointing to wider concerns about the strength of South Africa’s justice system.
Mvundlela warned that the targeting of legal professionals reflects a broader erosion of the rule of law. He emphasised that lawyers are part of a larger ecosystem that includes prosecutors, police officers, magistrates, and judges — all of whom play a critical role in maintaining legal order.
The weakening public perception of law enforcement has also been identified as a contributing factor. According to Mvundlela, reduced confidence in policing diminishes deterrence, potentially emboldening criminal activity.
Business groups have echoed these concerns. Business Against Crime South Africa stated that legal professionals, investigators, prosecutors, and even witnesses are increasingly subjected to intimidation and violence.
Such actions are seen as deliberate tactics used by criminal networks to avoid accountability and obstruct justice.
The organisation stressed that ensuring the safety of those who uphold the law is essential for maintaining the country’s democratic institutions and economic stability.
Despite growing risks, Mvundlela reaffirmed that legal professionals remain committed to their constitutional role, describing them as part of the solution rather than the problem.
However, with attacks continuing and concerns mounting, calls are growing for stronger protection measures and renewed efforts to restore confidence in law enforcement.
Source: businesstech
